Tel Aviv University Professor Punished for Harassment

An 80-year-old distinguished professor at Tel Aviv University has been disciplined and suspended for two years following findings of sexual harassment against two subordinate faculty members. The university's leadership stated that the renowned scholar received a reprimand and the two-year suspension for harassing two female researchers who worked under him. The professor's name has been withheld due to his age, lack of prior convictions, and past achievements, despite the complainants' insistence on public disclosure. One of the accusers, who was a doctoral intern, reported experiencing systematic harassment, including the professor allegedly suggesting he would prefer to see her in a bikini or nude during a presentation photoshoot, alongside other inappropriate remarks. The second complainant, a doctoral candidate under his supervision, stated that after joining his lab, she faced artificial limitations and pressure, leading to her resignation. The professor was also known for making harsh and offensive comments to his subordinates. The university administration emphasized that even before the disciplinary process concluded, the institution sought severe punishment and public identification of the offender. A university spokesperson commented, "Following the receipt of complaints, Tel Aviv University initiated a thorough investigation of the incident, which ultimately led to the decision to impose disciplinary measures on the lecturer. The university conducted a disciplinary hearing, demanding severe punishment for the offender and the disclosure of his name. The disciplinary court is an independent body that ultimately made a decision at its discretion. The university attaches great importance to preventing sexual harassment and abuse and makes every effort to eradicate this phenomenon," according to Mako.